.png&width=22&height=22&type=webp)
Photo by: Ken Smith/UB Athletics
UB and Shawn Burke Agree to Multi-Year Extension
2/6/2025 12:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo and women's soccer coach Shawn Burke have agreed to a two-year contract extension, Vice President and Director of Athletics Mark Alnutt announced on Thursday. The extension will keep Burke in Buffalo through the 2028 season.
"Shawn Burke has earned this contract extension based on the consistent success that our women's soccer program has had throughout his tenure here at UB," said Alnutt. "Under his leadership, our program is viewed as one of the top teams in the Mid-American Conference annually. This past year was no different as his team advanced to the MAC Championship match for the second time in three years. Off the field, I'm proud to see the efforts of our young women in the classroom and how they are embedded within the Western New York Community with various outreach. I look forward to celebrating the future successes of our women's soccer program with Shawn at the helm."
In a memorable 2024 season, Burke guided the Bulls to a Power 4 win for the second straight season and their second MAC Championship game appearance in three years. UB was one of the best defensive teams in the country as they led the league and ranked in the top 20 nationally in goals against average (.70) save percentage (.848) and shutout percentage (.550). Individually, the Bulls had five All-MAC selections, highlighted by Lexie Thompson being named MAC Goalkeeper of the Year, and four All-Region honorees.
"I'm so thankful for Mark and D'Ann's unwavering support," said Burke. "We take a lot of pride in what we have built here in Buffalo, and we know there is more to accomplish. My family and I are proud to call Buffalo home!"
The two-time MAC Coach of the Year has compiled an overall record of 113-57-38, including a 64-30-26 mark in league play. Burke has turned UB into a dominant home team as the Bulls own a 69-15-14 record at UB Stadium under his guidance.
Individually, UB has produced 53 All-MAC selections and has placed 26 student-athletes on All-Region squads. Burke has also produced the first four Division 1 All-Americans in program history, in second team selections Marcy Barberic and Emily Kelly and third team honorees Jackie Hall and Hannah Callaghan. UB has also seen seven players awarded MAC Player of the Year during his tenor.
Off the pitch, the Bulls have excelled in the classroom as UB has earned 103 All-MAC Academic selections, 11 MAC Distinguished Scholar Athletes, 21 COSIDA/CSC Academic All-District selections, six Scholar All-Region selections and four Academic All-Americans (Jackie Hall, Gurjeena Jandu, Emily Kelly, Leah Wengender). Additionally, the Bulls have earned United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award honors in 12 straight seasons, one of only two MAC schools to accomplish that feat and were a top 40 program for team GPA in all of Division I women's college soccer in the 2023-24 academic year.
"Shawn Burke has been an integral part of UB Athletics, and I'm thrilled he will continue leading our women's soccer program," said D'Ann Keller, Deputy Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator. "I've seen firsthand his impact on our student-athletes, both on and off the pitch. His leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence have elevated our program, not only in competition but in the academic and personal development of our student-athletes. Under his guidance, UB women's soccer has thrived, and I look forward to its continued success with him at the helm."
For all the latest on UB women's soccer, follow @UBWomensSoccer on Twitter/X and Instagram and like the UB Women's Soccer Facebook page.
Click here for information on the Blue & White Fund and how you can help UB Athletics.
"Shawn Burke has earned this contract extension based on the consistent success that our women's soccer program has had throughout his tenure here at UB," said Alnutt. "Under his leadership, our program is viewed as one of the top teams in the Mid-American Conference annually. This past year was no different as his team advanced to the MAC Championship match for the second time in three years. Off the field, I'm proud to see the efforts of our young women in the classroom and how they are embedded within the Western New York Community with various outreach. I look forward to celebrating the future successes of our women's soccer program with Shawn at the helm."
In a memorable 2024 season, Burke guided the Bulls to a Power 4 win for the second straight season and their second MAC Championship game appearance in three years. UB was one of the best defensive teams in the country as they led the league and ranked in the top 20 nationally in goals against average (.70) save percentage (.848) and shutout percentage (.550). Individually, the Bulls had five All-MAC selections, highlighted by Lexie Thompson being named MAC Goalkeeper of the Year, and four All-Region honorees.
"I'm so thankful for Mark and D'Ann's unwavering support," said Burke. "We take a lot of pride in what we have built here in Buffalo, and we know there is more to accomplish. My family and I are proud to call Buffalo home!"
The two-time MAC Coach of the Year has compiled an overall record of 113-57-38, including a 64-30-26 mark in league play. Burke has turned UB into a dominant home team as the Bulls own a 69-15-14 record at UB Stadium under his guidance.
Individually, UB has produced 53 All-MAC selections and has placed 26 student-athletes on All-Region squads. Burke has also produced the first four Division 1 All-Americans in program history, in second team selections Marcy Barberic and Emily Kelly and third team honorees Jackie Hall and Hannah Callaghan. UB has also seen seven players awarded MAC Player of the Year during his tenor.
Off the pitch, the Bulls have excelled in the classroom as UB has earned 103 All-MAC Academic selections, 11 MAC Distinguished Scholar Athletes, 21 COSIDA/CSC Academic All-District selections, six Scholar All-Region selections and four Academic All-Americans (Jackie Hall, Gurjeena Jandu, Emily Kelly, Leah Wengender). Additionally, the Bulls have earned United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award honors in 12 straight seasons, one of only two MAC schools to accomplish that feat and were a top 40 program for team GPA in all of Division I women's college soccer in the 2023-24 academic year.
"Shawn Burke has been an integral part of UB Athletics, and I'm thrilled he will continue leading our women's soccer program," said D'Ann Keller, Deputy Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator. "I've seen firsthand his impact on our student-athletes, both on and off the pitch. His leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence have elevated our program, not only in competition but in the academic and personal development of our student-athletes. Under his guidance, UB women's soccer has thrived, and I look forward to its continued success with him at the helm."
For all the latest on UB women's soccer, follow @UBWomensSoccer on Twitter/X and Instagram and like the UB Women's Soccer Facebook page.
Click here for information on the Blue & White Fund and how you can help UB Athletics.
Players Mentioned
GK
/ Women's SoccerUB Women's Soccer vs. Ball State
Monday, September 22
UB Women's Soccer vs. Mercyhurst
Monday, August 11
UB Women's Soccer vs. Colorado College
Monday, August 11
New Videoboard Loading!!
Wednesday, July 30
